Most of us know that skiing is good physical exercise. However, the mental benefits of skiing are often overlooked.
When we talk about health benefits, we are often talking about physical fitness. But in the modern world of stress, pressure and screens: it’s often mental health that requires the most exercise.
Here at SnowSunSee, we believe that skiing is highly beneficial to mental health. That’s why we have written this article, using concrete evidence that will show you how skiing can improve your mental health.
Skiing Is Exercise
Whether you’re cruising the pistes or floating through powder, it’s easy to forget that skiing is a physical sport. Every time you’re skiing, you are performing cardiovascular and muscular exercise, making it a great all-round workout.
The fact that skiing is exercise means it has proven links to improved mental health. A 2006 study found that performing regular exercise has a range of mental health benefits. Some of which include:
- Reduced anxiety
- Reduced depression
- Improved self-esteem
- Improved cognitive function
- Increased perceived energy levels
- Stress release
- Improved sleep
If you ski regularly, you will be getting the exercise you need to improve your long-term mental health. If you are a holiday skier, then the exercise you will be doing on the slopes is sure to make you feel happy and relaxed during your trip.
Skiing causes a large amount of ‘feel good’ chemicals to be released while you’re sliding down the slopes. Adrenaline and endorphins run high as you negotiate the mountain, making you feel fantastic!
The fact that skiing is exercise automatically makes it a winner for your mental health. If you want to improve your happiness, we advise spending as much time on skis as possible.
Getting Back in Touch With Nature
It’s estimated that 83% of Americans live in urban areas. The unfortunate reality is that the sound of birds chirping has been replaced by car horns for most people.
Taking a break from the concrete jungle can have a wide range of mental health benefits In fact; a 2009 study showed that spending time in nature has a significant relationship with lower rates of depression and anxiety.
In addition, Harvard University research suggests spending more time outdoors can lift mood. Considering most of us spend our time away from nature, these studies might set alarm bells ringing for some people.
Heading to a ski resort is one of the best ways to get back in touch with nature. The clean mountain air, breathtaking views, warm sun and cold snow all make you feel like a part of something bigger.
Skiing around the mountain with the wind in your face allows you to separate from the outside influences of ‘normal’ life’. It gives you a true sense of freedom and often much needed relief from the typical anxieties that can plague us at home.
Time Away From The Screens
In the modern age, it’s almost impossible to get away from screens. Smartphones, laptops and televisions all occupy our attention far more than most of us would like.
However, experts have suggested that high amounts of screen time are connected to depression and anxiety. In addition, it increases the chances of obesity through an increasingly sedentary lifestyle.
If you’re looking for a way to unplug,; skiing might be the escape you’ve been looking for. The artificial photos on your phone screen are no match for the mountain view you can capture with your own eyes.
Having time to put down your phone and enjoy the mountain can completely change your outlook on life. If you’re new to skiing, that statement might sound a bit ‘over the top’. However, if you regularly frequent mountain resorts, we’re sure you’re in agreement.
Learning New Skills
Skiers are looking to improve their technique year after year. Whether you are learning your first turns, or practicing your off-piste technique, skiing is a sport of constant learning.
Research has shown that the lifelong learning can significantly improve your mental wellbeing because it adds meaning to life. In addition, self-esteem and confidence can be greatly improved by overcoming your challenges on the slopes.
Learning something new will also make you a more interesting person to be around and give you a sense of purpose. Honing your skills on the slopes will give you a distraction from everyday stress and give you the mental space required to reassess your problems.
Skiing is a great way to pursue lifelong leaning. It’s a broad and varied sport, with many different types of skiing that can provide new learning experiences over time.
If you put your attention into learning on the slopes, the chances are your personal life will also show signs of improvement. Click To TweetMore Social Opportunities
Skiing can be a great social sport. It is often enjoyed with a group of friends or as part of a family trip.
However, embarking on a ski trip by yourself can also open the door to a host of social opportunities. Meeting people who are part of your ski lesson group or in the après-ski bar, it’s almost inevitable that you will make some new acquaintances.
The mental benefits of social interaction are plentiful. In fact, solid scientific evidence has shown that social relationships can greatly improve your mental health.
Being part of a social group can boost confidence and self-esteem, increase quality of life and improve brain health. In fact, we firmly believe that joining the ski community is one of the best mental benefits of skiing.
If you have a love for skiing, it’s never hard to find someone that shares a similar passion. It opens the door to new friendship opportunities and gives you the opportunity to be part of a community of people who all have one thing in common.
Skiing Is A Great Way To Travel
Skiing is a sport enjoyed by millions of people across the globe. According to a 2013 study by ski news provider ‘Snow24’, there are 97 countries that offer skiing.
Skiing is a great way to travel the world. The pursuit for new slopes can take you to all ends of the earth, experiencing new cultures along the way.
Fortunately, travel has also been proven to have great mental benefits. It has the capability to give you confidence, embark on self-discovery and improve happiness.
One study by Cornell University found that just talking about and planning your trip can make you happy. It concluded that discussing potential destinations could keep your mind off daily stresses and boost happiness.
Skiing is not just about what happens on the slope. The travelling this sport entails should be classed as an adventure that can greatly improve your mental health.
Spending Time In The Sun
Since skiing is a winter sport, it can be easy to forget about the sun exposure you’re going to receive. On the days when it’s not dumping snow, you will often find clear blue sky and intense sunlight.
In the modern world of cars, offices and living rooms: it’s easy to go significant lengths of time without the sun touching your skin. This is especially true during winter, where overcast weather and reduced sunlight hours are common in many countries.
Without enough sun exposure, your serotonin levels can dip. Lower serotonin levels during winter can increase your risk of depression, which is commonly known as SAD (seasonal affective disorder).
In addition, sunlight is vital for the production of vitamin D. It’s estimated that 1 billion people worldwide have low levels of the vitamin in their blood, which causes a variety of adverse health affects.
One of the best ways to get vitamin D is by taking a trip to the slopes. It will keep you outside in the in sun throughout the day, which is a great source of this vital nutrient.
If you’re heading for a ski holiday: don’t forget your sunscreen! Click To Tweet
Thoughts From The Author
The mental benefits of skiing should be enough for anyone to pursue a life on the snow. It gives you a sense of freedom, joy and self-confidence that is easily lost in the frantic environment of modern life.
Skiing gives you the feeling of being a part of something bigger than just yourself. It combines community with the great outdoors, making you feel true sense of belonging.
If you want to improve your mental health, immersing yourself in the ski industry might be your best bet. The more time you spend on the mountain, the greater the benefits become.
I’m going to finish this article with a famous ski quote that does a great job of summarizing my points:
Skiing is expensive, but it’s cheaper than therapy. Click To TweetWhat do you think are the most important mental benefits of skiing? How has skiing improved your mental health? Leave a comment and let us know!
James is the founder of SnowSunSee. He started skiing when he was five years old and has been a qualified ski instructor for 8 years. He has taught skiing in many countries, including UK, Europe, Japan, China and Malaysia. When he’s not on the slopes, James spends his time travelling the world one trail at a time.